Half term holidays - Too late for last minute deals?

I posted this in Deal requests initially, but it's not really a deal I'm after, just information about buying last minute holidays.

Am wanting to go on holiday at the next 1/2 term (19th or 20th feb for a week). I'm looking at the Canaries (but am after anywhere hot and sandy really), with my daughter.

I've been monitoring rough prices and they seem relatively stable, but a little too pricey for my pocket. I've never been on holiday at this time of year, and haven't got a lot of experience with last minute deals anyway.

When should I leap? Have I missed my chance already? Should I leave it right up to the week before? When is likely that they will 'run out'? Or am I just falling for their tricks...

Any hints and tips from serial last minute deal holiday goers, especially anyone who's bought 1 for this time of year, are gratefully received!

Today is 7th January.You aren't going to go away until 19th Feb.You are … Today is 7th January.You aren't going to go away until 19th Feb.You are not last minute!

This is what i thought, but sites like travelzoo are now showing things for March, so I thought I may have missed the boat.

7th Jan 2011

You need to look about a week before you want to leave to get a bargin, I've done it a few times, the key is not to be too fussed where you want to go.

Ive managed to get 2 people for 3 weeks in mexico (not cancun) 5 star all inclusive and upgraded flights for £1.2k before

7th Jan 2011

Try lowcostholidays or OTBeach xx

Original Poster

7th Jan 2011

fridgehead

You need to look about a week before you want to leave to get a bargin, … You need to look about a week before you want to leave to get a bargin, I've done it a few times, the key is not to be too fussed where you want to go.Ive managed to get 2 people for 3 weeks in mexico (not cancun) 5 star all inclusive and upgraded flights for £1.2k before

Cor blimey that sounds good! I'm not sure I'd want to drag my 3 year old on such a long plane journey, but I take the point.

So who do you go to with a week left? The local Thomas Cook's? Some of the agencies that always seem to appear on travelzoo's lists?

Thanks ParisP. I've searched lowcostholidays a number of times and nothing yet, but hopefully will start getting better closer to the date. OT beach is a new one for me.

7th Jan 2011

What i did was to go into the local travel agent and see what they had, then went home and checked it online, then went back and haggled a bit. Seemed to work, just if you intend to do anything like that make sure you have jabs done before thenOne of my friends waiting 3 days before he left and booked one before, it all depends where you mind going.